Injuring your knees can cause you a lot of problems, both immediately and in the long run. Knees are essential in the autonomy of the lower body, so if things go wrong and you’ve suffered an injury to your knee in an accident that wasn’t your fault, seeking compensation can help you to regain control of the situation and focus on your recovery.
Can I claim compensation for a knee injury?
Injuries to your knee are more than just a nuisance and can seriously impede your quality of life and ability to work. Whether it’s a torn knee ligament, fractured or dislocated kneecap, bursitis, or another type of injury, even seemingly innocuous slips or falls can lead to serious pain, limited mobility and costly medical bills.
Knee injuries can often happen as a result of negligence in the workplace or in a public setting. Owners of businesses, shops, restaurants and other public buildings have a legal duty of care to keep you safe while on their premises according to the Health & Safety Act 1974. So, if you were involved in an accident that damaged your ankle because health and safety regulations weren’t followed, you may be entitled to compensation for your knee injury.
What types of knee injury can I claim for?
There’s a lot more knee injuries than you might think, all of which can be claimed for if someone else was at fault:
- Meniscus tears.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries.
- Bursitis.
- Patellar dislocation.
- Fractures.
Even smaller issues like cuts and scrapes can make life difficult due to the location of the knee on the body. Simply wearing trousers instead of shorts or a skirt might rub the affected area and cause pain or discomfort.
Common causes of knee injuries
Knee injuries are common as they can be the first to hit the ground after a trip and fall. Here’s a few ways you can injure your knees and how it might be someone else’s fault:
- Meniscus tears: This injury occurs when the cartilage between the thigh bone and shin bone tears. This can happen due to a hard impact, like a trip or fall, or falling objects crushing it.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries: This is a ligament that runs along the inside of your knee. Injuries can occur when it takes direct blows, which can tear the ligament or stretch it.
- Bursitis: Can be caused by repetitive motion or pressure during daily activities. Excessive crouching or kneeling can lead to inflammation. If you work in a job that requires repetitive motion or pressure, you may be at risk of this injury.
- Patellar dislocation: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its usual position, and can happen if it takes a heavy blow directly or from either side.
- Fractures: These can happen anywhere around the knee, normally due to trauma or falls from height.
What evidence do I need to support my knee injury claim?
To build a strong claim, we’ll need some detailed information from you about what happened to your knee. Here’s what we’ll need to know:
- The date, time, and specific location of the accident.
- Details of the incident, including your account of what happened and who you believe was at fault.
- Contact and insurance information of all parties involved.
- Any available police reports documenting the occurrence.
- Photos or videos from the scene, which could include photos taken by you or CCTV from the scene.
- Contact details for any witnesses.
- Records of any medical treatment you received, whether at the scene or afterwards at the doctor’s office or hospital.
When you reach out to Injury Lawyers 4U, our skilled team will offer you comprehensive, free legal advice. We’ll help you to understand your rights and whether or not you have a valid claim.
What is the average compensation payout for a knee injury in the UK?
The amount of compensation you might receive for a knee injury claim depends on how you got it, the severity of the injury and the wider impact it has had on your life.
To find out how much you’ll likely be entitled to, use our helpful compensation calculator. This will tell you how much money you should expect for general damages. For any special damages, like compensation for travel, physiotherapy, or the cost of necessary adaptations to your home, our expert legal team can give you an estimate that better reflects your situation
What are the time limits for making a knee injury compensation claim?
The best way to start your claim is by kicking it off as close to the time when the injury took place as you can. Not only does this make it easier to gather as much evidence as possible, but it also means you’ll get the help you need with any associated costs earlier. However, if you have waited a while to make your claim, you should be aware of the time limits involved:
You can begin a claim for a knee injury within three years of the date of the accident. However, if you are under 18 years old when injured and haven’t yet made a claim, you have until your 21st birthday.
The next step in your knee injury claim process
Knee injuries are serious. If you believe that your knee has been damaged and it wasn’t your fault, then it’s time to get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U. We’ve dedicated ourselves to getting justice for those who have been injured in circumstances out of their control. We’re here to help you receive the compensation you deserve, whether for a knee injury or any other injury caused by another party’s negligence. Contact us via our quick contact form or phone us directly on 0333 400 4445.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do immediately after sustaining a knee injury?
The first thing you should do when sustaining any kind of injury is seek medical attention. Once you are safe, be sure to gather as much evidence of the injury as you can to assist in any future claim you may make.
What compensation can I expect to receive from a successful knee injury claim?
Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, travel expenses for medical treatment, and any future loss of earnings or ongoing medical needs related to the injury.
Do I need a lawyer to file a knee injury compensation claim?
It is possible to make a claim on your own, but using an experienced injury lawyer can help when you encounter complexities you may not have anticipated. An experienced personal injury lawyer can also handle negotiations if they become tense and difficult.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Depending on how involved you were in the accident itself, it is still possible to make a claim. Your level of involvement will be analysed by a legal professional to see what we can do before diving into the claim fully.
What if the responsible party denies liability for my knee injury?
If those responsible deny responsibility, you may still be able to successfully claim compensation, though it’s worth being prepared for your case to take slightly longer to settle. By getting a trusted injury lawyer onside, this process will be easier than without expert legal assistance.
